Faculty Shout-out by Professor Justus Neiland:
“My first encounter with Mason was the first day of our Contemporary Film Theory class, when we shared some of our habits as film spectators. When I learned that Mason likes to watch films in the car, or while multitasking, or as ambient sound, I knew I was in the presence of someone who loved movies so much they had chosen to stitch them deeply into the fabric of their daily life. Mason was an essential contributor to our conversations through the semester, and willing to share his passion as well as his informed skepticism. I especially appreciated how his engagement with the course material was shaped by his personal commitments to the craft of screenwriting. Good luck, Mason!”
How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?
My time within the Film Studies program at MSU has been nothing short of wonderful. It is because of the courses in this program that I have refined my filmmaking skills. Ever since I have been on campus, the film studies classes I have taken have been able to provide me with education and insight into a world I thought I wouldn’t be able to touch, considering the “unrealistic” reality a career in film was considered as I grew up and approached college. Each of the professors I was taught under have passion, no doubt, in teaching others about film. While my senior year yielded only one class in the program, it served as an absolute essential building block throughout my sophomore and junior years of college.
Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
The screenwriting classes, specifically taught by Bill Vincent, are what I attribute as why I am the screenwriter I am today. He has taught me formatting discipline, story progression, as well as encouraged my use of character dynamics. His seasoned insight into the film industry are what I believe sets him apart from other screenwriting professors. During my independent study with Bill, he was patient and understanding when I decided to switch my main writing project, and only encouraged me to keep going in a time where I was struggling to write. I truly believe that I would not be the screenwriter I am today without him. On the other hand, Jeff Wray has stood out as an exemplary professor in film. He is genuinely one of the most passionate and caring individuals when it comes to discussing film and nurturing student success. His Film Directing class came at just the right time for me, as I was looking to build my directing skills. Unlike my past projects at the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, where they are heavily criticized under a technical lens, Jeff examines all projects from a single, significant rubric: what kind of performance did you get out of your actor? There was a moment, last semester, where I was showing Jeff a frame from a film project I had directed in the class. I was getting advice from him on how to color it. He had seen this project before, but upon showing him, Jeff got overwhelmingly happy and gushed about how amazing the frame looked (it was a closeup shot of a friend against a brick wall). That moment completely encapsulates Jeff as a professor, as his extreme passion and encouragement towards teaching and fostering a love for film amongst his students shines bright. I, as a director, would not be where I am today without him. Finally, my one and only study abroad experience have been through the film studies program. The Toronto International Film Festival was something I never thought I’d attend, at least not until I was well out of college. Fortunately, the program was advertised to me as a study abroad, where I applied and was accepted for both of the times I went. I consider the film festival to be the most rewarding experience of my life. The festival alone has opened my eyes about the capabilities of film as well as broadened my scope in what stories I want to tell. The festival has also provided me the incredibly valuable experience of networking with other filmmakers on an international scale. Kaveh Askari and Pete Johnston have done an excellent job using this program to give students an eye-opening experience, as well as international exposure. The professors encourage a free-roam mindset of the festival, allowing students to attend film screenings, talks, and events at their disposal. With this mindset, I was able to experience the festival in the ways I desired. Now, as I approach graduation, the Toronto International Film Festival is something I intend to attend every year, going forward.
What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?
I would implore anyone who holds interest in film to attend classes within the film studies program. Even those who don’t view it as their main aspiration should consider taking the minor. Its credit requirement is well above manageable, in addition to being supplementary to those exploring a media major within the College of Communications, Arts, and Sciences. In terms of the program itself, I would advise that students dip their toes in at least every individual aspect within it, such as screenwriting, film theory, and directing.
What coursework-related projects were/are you working on this year, and what interests or excites you about them? (capstone courses, honors thesis, independent studies, etc.)
This past year, I wrote a short, feature-length screenplay that was submitted to be considered for the Fiction Film Capstone class that I was apart of. The screenplay, while not winning, came in second place. Since then, my friends and classmates have encouraged me to continue refining the screenplay, going as far to say that I should produce it this coming summer. Within the last three months, I have revised the screenplay in order to submit it for the Lawrence Allen Tate award. Depending on how the summer pans out, this very well could be made into a short, feature-film.
What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?
Following college, I have been fortunate enough to receive an offer for a full-time job working for a news station based in Lansing. However, my passion for fiction film is unwavering. I plan to continue writing, producing, directing, and editing fiction film content when I’m not working. In doing so, I will be open to a career in the film industry, if it ever finds me. My biggest goal, if a career in film works out, is to become an oscar-nominee. I would consider my professional career complete if I got the chance to be apart of the Oscars ceremony, or even stand on the stage to accept an award.